IDPA and IPSC shooting
IDPA and IPSC shooting --
Both disciplines really have more similarities that differences.
IDPA is more structured and the scoring system generally emphasizes accuracy over speed. IMHO it's a good place for a beginner to start. It also has simpler, more realistic courses of fire, and is oriented more toward the defensive shooter. (A lot of IDPA matches are very specific in procedure, the intention being to test specific techniques under specific circumstances. In that way, they're like a police or military qualification course)
IPSC has less structure and the scoring system slightly emphasizes speed over accuracy. It's a good place to learn dynamic shooting skills. Some of the courses are complex and require lots of movement, and IPSC is oriented more toward the shooter who's interest is primarily just in competition. (IPSC procedure is usually "freestyle" and leaves you great lattitude in how to solve the particular marksmanship problem presented)
I shoot both and enjoy both. IDPA is more in line with my personal preferences. (I'm a cop and usually compete with whatever is my duty gun at the time) I started shooting local IPSC matches in 1978 and IDPA matches in 2001.
If you do elect to start competing in IDPA, watch to see if any of the USPSA clubs around you offer
special classifier matches. IDPA has a classifier match which is a very good test of basic skills. USPSA has multiple different classification stages that are used for the same purpose. Once you are a USPSA member and have shot at least four classifiers in any particular division, you will have earned a classification in that division. The USPSA classifiers are also great tests of basic skills. (
www.uspsa.org -- if you click on the "additional content" button on the left toolbar and then go exploring on the page that pops up, you'll be able to see classifier stage diagrams)
A lot depends on who is designing matches at your local club. Some clubs like to keep it simple (more my preference) and some clubs like to have long complicated courses of fire requiring 20+ rounds and lots of movement (which can be great fun but aren't realistic)
It just depends on what kind of experience you are looking for and what kind of clubs are located in your area. Chances are, you'll do some shooting in both, once you become familiar. That seems to be the way it usually works for most shooters.
Some clubs post some or all of the stages for the upcoming match on their website. This allows you to see what to practice in advance, and you can print off copies of the course of fire for future reference. And if a bunch of the stages for the match that month don't coincide with what you're trying to accomplish, or if they're badly designed, you are forwarned and you can skip the match that month and do something else . . .
Your Taurus pistol will work in "Stock Service Pistol" (SSP) class in IDPA and in "production" class in IPSC. (In both cases, you will be limited to loading your magazines to a maximum of 10 rounds)